Posted: 4/17/2009 2:23:56 PM EDT
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Anyone familiar with these? I've applied for one, but it hasn't arrived yet. I wanted it for driving in European countries, and not in a military capacity, but now I've had some people tell me they drove in Europe and never had one.
Any experience or knowledge on the subject? |
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While the IDP (International Driving Permit) is recognized in something like 150 countries, it isn't truly NECESSARY in the vast majority of those. It is only valid alongside your original US driver's license anyway, so most countries just go by the original license. In fact, the IDP is little more than a standardized translation of your existing license, into 9 or 10 languages. You'll find that most of western Europe is pretty tolerant of 'stupid Americans' and they don't expect you to have an IDP. Still, better to have it and not need it.
In the US, only AAA and the National Auto Club/AATA can issue IDPs for US residents. Your IDP is NOT valid in your country of residence. Always remember that the IDP is worthless without your original license. FluxPrism |
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I just went through this. Thailand wouldn't recognize my expired US license (I haven't been back to the States in a few years) or my valid Cambodian license, but they recognized my IDP which I bought off the street in Bangkok back when my US license was still valid. It was put through the police department back then, but no testing or anything.
Last week, I took the plunge and got my Thai driver license and Thai motorcycle license. They again would not recognize my valid Cambodian license for excusing me from testing, but recognized the IDP, even though my US license was not valid.  The motorcycle license is a separate license from the driver license.
It IS interesting driving on the "wrong" side of the road, by the way! 
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I just went through this. Thailand wouldn't recognize my expired US license (I haven't been back to the States in a few years) or my valid Cambodian license, but they recognized my IDP which I bought off the street in Bangkok back when my US license was still valid. It was put through the police department back then, but no testing or anything. Last week, I took the plunge and got my Thai driver license and Thai motorcycle license. They again would not recognize my valid Cambodian license for excusing me from testing, but recognized the IDP, even though my US license was not valid. The motorcycle license is a separate license from the driver license.
It IS interesting driving on the "wrong" side of the road, by the way!
Yes it is. And I fucked it up on the first try, pulling out into the wrong lane. Good thing it was 0300. 
I got my IDP from AAA before I went to Uganda. Turd-Worlder's love paper and stamps and seals. If it looks officially bureaucratic they eat it up. I was told to get it if I wanted to drive in country but we ended up getting a driver for the hairy part. It can't hurt, what are they like $14.00 and a photo? |
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My dad has one and has driven in Colombia (2000) and France (2008). I happily rode around down there as others drove...traffic is insane...do not motherfucking want. Funny thing is he would drive anywhere down there including the Andes (in a car with no brakes), but not in Italy or Israel. |